From meeting new people to experiencing new sights, sounds, and smells – is there anything more exciting or rejuvenating than a break from the day-to-day mundanity? Traveling is an excellent way to immerse yourself in a new culture, setting, or way-of-life, but the best part is this: you don’t have to venture far from home to enjoy what this world has to offer.
Whether your journey takes you across your own city, to an unexplored part of your state, or even to the other side of the world, there’s no doubt you will still learn a lot about your surroundings – and yourself – along the way.
While the culture an hour away from your home might not be drastically different from what you’re used to, you can still gain a deepened sense of appreciation for where you’ve laid your roots. Plus, traveling locally has a lot of benefits:
More cost-effective. Local travel is certainly a budget-friendly way to explore! Many activities and parks are free or have a low cost of entry. For day trips, you can also pack your own meals to save.
Eco-friendly way to travel. Travel is hard on the environment, but putzing around your area is more sustainable than air travel.
Quick trips. Getting out locally means you can do it more often! Long weekend trips are a lot easier to take when the destination is a short drive away.
Easy to plan. Preparing your itinerary for a local getaway will likely save you some time and stress.
More convenient. Especially if you have little ones, sticking close to home may be much more convenient than far-off destinations. If you forget something, have an emergency, or need to cut the trip short, being closeby definitely has its benefits.
Located in King County in the state of Washington is the city of North Bend, which skims the outskirts of the Seattle metropolitan area. Although the population sits at less than 10,000 people, the sleepy town is famous worldwide thanks to David Lynch's television series Twin Peaks, which was partially filmed in North Bend.
With its TV history aside, North Bend is still an incredibly interesting region to both live in or visit, with numerous popular attractions, restaurants, and parks on your doorstep. Ready to discover the best things to do and places to visit within this city?
Read on to start your North Bend, Washington adventure!
*Note: Some of the suggestions may not be doable due to coronavirus closures, but keep this list handy for when things start opening back up more! Be sure to check individual pages for specific operation details.
If you’re looking to spend some time outdoors to enjoy a spot of fishing, hiking, camping, picnicking, or more, then you’re in luck. With plenty of state parks and national parks within the region, you don’t have to travel far to get your nature fix.
Located less than a 10-minute drive from North Bend, Olallie State Park is renowned for its hiking trails, waterfalls, and a lush green forest. It’s open all year round for visitors, as are its popular trails for bikers and hikers that stretch up to 20 miles long. Additional recreational activities include fishing, rock climbing, and sight-seeing. We urge you not to miss the area’s celebrated cascading waterfalls while here!
What could be better than a beachside lunch on a sunny day? Lake Sammamish State Park around a 20-minute drive from the city and is the closest beach experience visitors can find within the region. Visitors can rent a kayak, bring their bikes, or even just come here to relax with a picnic lunch. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars because the wildlife viewing opportunities within this state park are not to be missed!
Saint Edward Park, located north-west of North Bend, serves as the perfect blend of natural scenery and classic architecture. It features old cathedral style buildings that once housed hundreds of students, while a lakeside setting provides a peaceful picnic escape. The playground also has much to offer for children, if hiking and biking hasn’t already occupied your day.
Located 7 miles south of the city is the Iron Horse State Park, which provides the longest trail for hiking and biking, measuring in at 100 miles. The state park is open all year round for recreational ventures, whether that’s camping alongside the lake, enjoying the breathtaking views of the valley, or admiring the largest variety of natural flora and fauna on offer within the region.
This unique, man-made forest has been especially made for the conservation of wildlife within the region. It’s also home to six scenic mountains, which offer a scenic view of the Seattle cityscape and outskirts from higher up in the mountains. Another popular aspect of this state park is its paragliding spot, where people come from all over the US to enjoy this exhilarating experience.
Whether you’re after a quick round-trip or a day-long hike, North Bend has a variety of hiking and walking trails to satisfy your every need. Just don’t forget to pack some water, sunscreen, and a snack, of course!
Located on a small mountain that sits 1,550 feet above sea level, the Little Si trail measures 5 miles, yet provides an easy hike for outdoor enthusiasts. It is quite steep in some places, but is a safe and enjoyable hiking trail for beginners through to those more advanced. It also has a paved area, making it possible for strollers, elderly, and children.
The Twin Falls trail stretches across two mountains, with the main trail being located in the valley. Although you might not get to admire that sought-after bird's eye scenic view, you can enjoy the stunning flora and fauna that surrounds. Considering its swampy pathways, boulders, and steep turns alongside the river, hikers are still sure to get a slice of action.
Ready to enjoy a scrumptious meal while wandering around North Bend? Here are our top restaurant picks!
Looking for the best place in North Bend to enjoy delicious Mexican food?Rio Bravo is located in a cozy corner of the city, serving everything from breakfast and lunch, to dinner. Enjoy traditional favorites such as nachos, burritos, enchiladas, tacos, and everything else you can dream of when it comes to mouth-watering Mexican food.
What better than a pizza for lunch on the go?Frankie’s Pizza has been making pizzas since 1988 and has gained the nickname of ‘the best in town’. You can either dine-in or take away your edible delights, while their daily discount deals are sure to get you and your family excited.
Are you looking for a three-course Vietnamese meal?UnPhogetable is your go-to in North Bend for traditional Vietnamese food, including their unforgettable Pho. Locals and visitors alike love their blend of classic and modern flavors. Don’t miss the much-loved fresh smoothies and teas served here too.
Twede’s Cafe is more than just a roadside cafe. Here, you can have the best breakfast, lunch, or dinner, featuring hearty portions and affordable prices. Locals say their pies, especially their scrumptious cherry pie, is not to be missed!
Whether you’re a resident or visitor in North Bend,The Iron Duck Public House is a must-visit. This place is most reputed for its collection of beers, whiskeys, and cocktails, offering a huge range of up to 350 different types. Along with their impressive variety of drinks, you’ll also find menu favorites such as burgers, pizza, salad, and a popular children’s menu.
After filling up on delicious food and enjoying all that the hiking trails and state parks have to offer, you may be wondering: “what’s next?” Well, when it comes to North Bend’s attractions and activities, you’re only just getting started. Here are some of the most fun things on offer in and around the city!
If you and your family are looking for a fun way to pass the day, look no further than these popular activities.
Museums are an asset to any city. Whether a tourist or resident, there’s a beauty about knowing all there is to know about the history of that region. TheSnoqualmie Valley Historical Museum is a great place for families to visit, as it has all multiple historical souvenirs of North Bend and nearby areas. The museum open times vary during winter and summer, so be sure to browse their website before your visit.
Nothing is better than a dive in the refreshing river on a blazing hot summer’s day, is it?Fall City Floating is located in the heart of the city and is known as one of the best family days out within the region. You can pre-book boats and tubes, rent them, or even buy them if you wish. It’s a scenic place to row a boat, swim, and partake in other water sports.
What should you do in North Bend once the sun goes down? We’re glad you asked! Here are our suggested night-time attractions.
While it might be known for terrific restaurant, North Bend also features a popular casino to pass some time at. AtSnoqualmie Casino, you will find the largest collection of slot machines within the city, totalling over 1700! It’s also home to not one, but 54 of classic casino gaming bars. Paired with its lavish dining areas, what more could one ask for?
If jazz music is more your thing, then theJazz club is a must-visit destination one night. Here, you can see live performances from local and visiting country jazz music bands and let loose on the dance floor to the good tunes. This place has also been offering auditions and training for jazz amateurs since 2010.
Looking to save a dollar or two during your North Bend excursion? There are plenty of activities and attractions that can be visited on a budget, helping you to get the most out of your time spent in the city.
TheNorthwest Railway Museum is one of the oldest railway museums in Washington. It’s also the largest and most famous of its kind nationwide, celebrated for its great collection of antique railway parts and trains. It caters to over 88,000 visitors annually, while a special antiques show can be enjoyed every weekend in the summer months.
Camlann Medieval Village is located in the nearest vicinity to Washington State. It portrays village life in the medieval times of the 14th century in England. It has the best possible makeup of that time. Here the visitors can experience the life of 1376 in its true essence. It serves the best comparison of today’s life and medieval life.
Whether you want a fun way to waste away a Sunday afternoon or a date idea that won’t break the budget – here are our most recommended things to do in North Bend that won’t cost you a cent.
TheCedar River Watershed Education Centre is a treasured regional education facility. It is situated on the banks of the picturesque Rattlesnake Lake, which provides water to about 1.4 million people within the city. It offers a chance for visitors to learn more about the city and its resources, but best of all? It’s completely free to visit!
The local towns of Snoqualmie, North Bend, and Fall City are the main filming locations of the adored television series,Twin Peaks. Here you can come and reminisce about the memories of old school theatre and movies, while reliving scenes from the cult production.
By now, you’ve probably been on your feet all day exploring the sights and delights that North Bend has to offer. If you’re craving some rest and relaxation, or even a bit of pampering, these are two of the best spas in the region.
After a long day in the city, you no doubt want some time to unwind and relax.The Healing Garden is the perfect place to go, as it offers massages and other highly-rated spa treatments that help you relieve any stress or tiredness accumulated during the day. The use of essential oils and aromas creates a soothing vibe you’ll love.
A good haircut and manicure treatment never harmed anyone, and what better place than on a vacation to give yourself a fresh new look? Hair Ink North End is a hair salon and spa where you can enjoy a variety of treatments, whether that’s a hair masque, manicure, blow-dry, wax, or whatever suits you.
If rejuvenation for you is less about deep relaxation and more about sweating it out, then you’re in luck. North Bend is home to some of the highest-rated gyms and yoga studios within the region.
Whether you’re on vacation or living out your best life in North Bend as a local, no fitness regime should be compromised.Mt Si Sports and Fitness, located in Snoqualmie, has the best gym equipment and most spacious fitness environment in town. You can choose from a long list of classes with professional trainers who have thorough expertise in their job.
Yoga is one of the healthiest and most calming exercises, so why not embrace it in your daily life?Ignite Dance & Yoga has some of the best yoga trainers within the region who can guide you through your beginner, intermediate, or experienced sessions. It also offers dance and yoga classes for young children, so no one has to miss out. Enjoy private yoga sessions or combined sessions based on your needs.
Looking to fulfill your wanderlust by heading outside of the region for a day? You could spend decades within Tallahassee without barely scratching the surface of all there is to do in this large city, but consider these day trips next time you fancy a new adventure.
As the state’s most famous national park, you just can’t pass up an opportunity to visit Mount Rainier National Park. Here, you can enjoy recreational activities such as camping, hiking, and sight-seeing. This natural wonder is most famous for its active volcano, which is covered in picturesque glaciers during the winter months.
Just over a half-hour’s drive from North Bend will take you to the city of Seattle, one of the most celebrated regions within Washington. Seattle is an extremely scenic city, as it is surrounded by water, not to mention mountains, evergreen forests, and thousands of acres of parkland. The futuristic Space Needle is its most iconic landmark, but you’ll also find numerous popular city attractions to suit visitors young and old. You can find our full guide on Seattle here!
As a final reminder, some of these activities may need to wait until businesses fully reopen from coronavirus closures. However, there is still much to see and experience in North Bend that you can enjoy today! What are your favorite spots in North Bend? Send them our way to [email protected] or by tagging us on Instagram @rvshare and using the hashtag #rvsharelocal.
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